media release


SAVING ABANDONED CHILDREN - TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE!

Senator Helen Polley has continued her campaign to implement 'Safe Haven' legislation in Australia with a speech in the Senate chamber today.

“Safe Havens allow mothers who may otherwise recklessly abandon their baby a chance to take them to a designated area and leave them to be looked after and adopted - no questions asked.  If Save Havens were present in Australia then children who may otherwise be abandoned and left to die may stand a chance”, said Senator Polley.  

The Senator reminded members of the recent cases of babies that had been abandoned in bus stops, driveways, outside hospitals, and on church doorsteps.

Senator Polley has written to all State and Federal Attorneys-General to press home her campaign and is expecting a response shortly.

Senator Polley said "Safe Haven legislation has been enacted in 46 States in the United States and they have had enormous appeal there.  They are designed to help young mothers who do not want, or are unable to, look after their children.

"The cost isn't even an issue.  In the majority of cases the Safe Havens are located at already existing public buildings, such as hospitals or police stations.  This is another reason why I am so supportive of this concept – the cost is minimal to the public, yet it can be the difference between life and death to the child.

“It's a simple choice really – safe havens can help save children’s lives, and at the end of the day that's a good thing.

“If the mother knew that there was a place she could go, safely leave her child and ensure that she would not be prosecuted, I am sure we wouldn’t be reading headlines about newborn infants dying through abandonment.  Surely we should be doing all we can to help save children’s lives?”

Senator Polley told the Chamber that she saw the introduction of Safe Haven Laws as only one component of a much larger reform effort.  Safe Havens are a short-term solution. 

Long-term solutions would address the core causes of abandonment.  Long-term solutions would promote education, awareness and prevention.  However, it is important that we provide the short-term solution. 

Safe Haven laws should be used as stepping stones to long-term solutions.”

For further information or a copy of the speech:

Umesh Ratnagobal 02 6277 3129 or 0438 003 328
umesh.ratnagobal@aph.gov.au